Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has praised former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida over his just launched book, emphasising the importance of documenting personal stories.
Obasanjo, who spoke on Thursday during the launch of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey In Service, in Abuja, stated that such narratives are vital for future generations.
The event, occurring 32 years after Babangida left office, featured President Bola Tinubu as the special guest of honour, with keynote speaker Nana Akufo-Addo also in attendance.
Other distinguished guests who graced the occasion included former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the autobiography, along with ex-presidents Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan.
Speaking further at the event which he chaired, Obasanjo highlighted that writing serves both individual reflection and national interests.
He noted that Babangida had succeeded in documenting history, asides contributing to history making.
He also noted that there would be good, bad and ugly reactions to the book Babangida had written.
However, Obasanjo advised the former military president not to be unduly worried about critics of his autobiography and what he described as “put him down syndrome.”
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Obasanjo said: “You have not only contributed to history; you have contributed to documenting history.
“It is an important part of our nation building to keep accurate records. Please don’t be unduly worried about critics and put him down syndrome.
“It may even be an indication of success, but take note of objective criticism. A chronic critic of mine, the late Tunji Braithwhite, may his soul rest in perfect peace, condemned a book of mine.
“And when asked if he had read it, he answered in the negative. He said he had not read it, and said that once Obasanjo was the writer, it must be condemned.”
The former president encouraged everyone to continue documenting their stories, recognising that each narrative contributes to Nigeria’s collective history.
The book “A journey in Service”, is an autobiography of Babangida. The occasion also included fundraising for the former Head of State’s presidential library.
In his book, Babangida admitted for the first time that Moshood Abiola won the annulled 12 June 1993 presidential election, 32 years ago.
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